Leonardo da Vinci
Society Family Holiday Celebration at the Museum of
Discovery and Science

Fort Lauderdale, FL, November 10, 2004 — Leonardo
da Vinci Society members and other distinguished guests
attended the local premiere of The Polar Express: An IMAX®
3D Experience and enjoyed a family reception with fun-filled
activities for all ages on Wednesday, November 10, 2004.

The Museum staff entertained 150 guests with special science
demonstrations featuring Bed-O-Nails, Electrical Forces and
an Experiment with Insulation. Children participated in
hands-on craft activities such as edible marshmallow trains
and ornaments. Santa Claus, his Elves, and a snowman spread
the holiday spirit by posing for festive portraits with
guests.
To top off the night, guests put on 3D glasses and took a
spectacular ride to the North Pole on The Polar Expressduring the immersive movie, The Polar Express: An IMAX®
3D Experience. The film, which is presented locally by
Angelo, Barry & Banta P.A., kept the guests on the edge of
their seats with extraordinary specials effects and a
heartwarming story of the power of believing.

Paige Hyatt, co-chair of the Leonardo da Vinci
Society said: “I can’t imagine seeing this film in any other
format than 3D. It was such an amazing, enveloping and truly
magical experience for me and my children. I’m so proud of
the Museum of Discovery and Science for being able to bring
this exclusive 3D experience to South Florida audiences.”

The Leonardo da Vinci
Society is a family membership society established by the
Museum in 1993. It is a prestigious group of individual
donors whose involvement reflects a shared belief in the
importance of science education. The members of this group
play a vital role in the life of the Museum. Members serve
as unofficial ambassadors with the expanded knowledge gained
through behind-the-scenes tours, special lectures and
events. They enjoy many unique Museum
privileges and benefits throughout the year. To find out
about joining, please contact Tracy Roloff at (954)
712-1172.

ABOUT THE POLAR EXPRESS

The Academy Award®-winning team of Tom Hanks and director
Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) reunite for this
inspiring holiday adventure based on the classic Caldecott
Medal-winning children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a
doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the
North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that
shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who
believe.

The Blockbuster® IMAX®Theater owned and operated by the
Museum of Discovery and Science, opened in 1992. The
300-seat theater is a showcase of state-of-the-art motion
picture technology. The Blockbuster® IMAX®Theater features a
60 ft. x 80 ft. screen and a 15,000 watt digital sound
system that delivers six discrete channels of clear sound
through 42 speakers. The IMAX® projector’s 15,000 watt Xenon
bulb projects images of unsurpassed brilliance and clarity
onto the five-story-high screen. Both 2D and 3D films are
shown in the theater. 3D films are viewed using electronic
headsets. The IMAX® experience is an unparalleled fusion of
sight and sound. For show times, visitors should call
954-463-IMAX (4629).

The mission of the Museum of Discovery and Science is to
provide experiential pathways to lifelong learning in
science for children and adults through exhibits, programs,
and films. Founded in 1976 as The Discovery Center, the
nonprofit facility serves approximately 400,000 visitors
each year. Major operational support for the Museum is
provided through generous support by Leadership Guild
members including: American Express, City Furniture, JM
Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and Wachovia.

The Museum is open seven days per week (including
Thanksgiving and Christmas), Monday through Saturday from
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m.
with extended IMAX hours on Friday and Saturday evenings.
General admission prices are $14.00 for adults; $13.00 for
seniors; $12.00 for children 3 to 12. Children under 3 are
free. A General Admission Ticket includes admission to the
Museum exhibits and one IMAX® film. The Museum of Discovery
and Science is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about
the Museum, visitors should call (954) 467- MODS
(6637) or visit our web site at
www.mods.org